Robert Bailey, Gleaner Writer

Former champions Excelsior High will be looking to extend their lead in Group A of the ISSA/Gatorade/Digicel Manning Cup competition when they face Norman Manley High in today's feature game at Maxfield Park starting at 3:30 p.m.

In the group's other game, Greater Portmore High will entertain Penwood High at their school ground.

The Leebert Halliman-coached Excelsior lead the group with 12 points, three ahead of Norman Manley, who have a game in hand.

They are followed by Penwood (six), Greater Portmore, who have a game in hand (four), and Campion College (one).

Excelsior will enter today's encounter very confident, after getting the better of their opponents 2-1 in their first-round meeting.

However, Norman Manley have been improving since that defeat, and will go into today's game on a two-game winning run.

EXCITING ENCOUNTER

The Penwood and Greater Portmore encounter is also expected to be very exciting. Greater Portmore will be hoping to avenge their 1-0 defeat to Penwood earlier in the season.

Meanwhile, a pulsating contest is expected in Group D, when Bridgeport and Calabar meet in a top-of-the-table clash. In the group's other games, Haile Selassie High tackle Tivoli High, and Innswood High oppose St Mary's College.

Calabar lead the group with 15 points, two ahead of Bridgeport, who have a game in hand.

They are followed by Innswood, who are on 13 points with game in hand, Tivoli (seven), St Mary's College (two), and Haile Selassie (one).

Over in Group G, preseason favourites Charlie Smith High will be looking for a big win against minnows Meadowbrook. In the group's other games, Pembroke Hall will entertain Kingston College (KC), and St Andrew Technical High (STATHS) await Ardenne.

Charlie Smith lead the group with 16 points, one ahead of KC. They are followed by STATHS 10.

Yesterday's lone game between Jonathan Grant High and Ascot High was rained out.